How To Become A Freelance Photographer: Expert Guide

Photography is a promising career path when you utilize it skillfully. Working on a job and want to change the pattern? What’s better than pursuing a freelancing career? Still, you need a proper guide on how to become a freelance photographer. 

Many photographers work as full-time freelancers and earn more than a 9-5 job. The industry is growing constantly, and it can improve your career path as well. According to a survey, the photography industry is estimated to be worth $44.07 billion by 2025.

Another 2021 report states that the number of professional photographers has reached 74.6 million worldwide. Plus, AI can’t affect this industry unless there are so many robots taking your wedding photos. So, choosing a freelance photography business can be worthwhile at this moment. 

Starting a career or changing jobs isn’t that dreamy during the initial days. Still, you can rock the party by taking baby steps. In this guide, we will unravel how to start freelance photography. Let’s dive in.

How to Become A Freelance Photographer

The demand for photographers isn’t fading away anytime soon. Well, there can be some changes in patterns and techniques in the future. But you can easily adapt them to grow your career.

Building a freelancing business is a bit different compared to traditional jobs. That’s why you have to implement each step carefully. In the following list, we will share how to become a freelance photographer. Whether you are starting your career or changing your job pattern, this guide will help you out: 

Step 1: Pick a Photography Niche

It can be surprising for anyone, but photography also has different niches. To achieve success, you should choose a particular niche. Mastering one niche can give you high-ticket clients as well, at least during the initial days. 

Social Media Photography: Social media platforms are expanding day by day. Some platforms, like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook, have a high demand for images. Many business leaders need high-quality images to promote their brands or build an audience.

Portrait Photography: Portrait or family photography is one of the most popular domains in this industry. As a newbie freelancer, you can choose this one to get numerous clients. As the demand for portrait photography grows every year, parents want to capture the best moments with their kids. 

Photojournalism: Photojournalism, popularly known as press photography, is a demanding photography domain. If you want to combine photography, journalism, and art, this is the best niche for you. Besides traditional employees, many newspapers and magazines hire freelance press photographers.

Event Photography: The demand for event photography is growing with time. Be it a wedding or a concert, event planners are always looking for excellent photographers. This type of freelance photography can give you the best clients, but you have to be a good networker as well.

Step 2: Improve Your Skills

Photography can be a beautiful hobby for many people. But professional photography isn’t the same. You need to master some skills to launch your business. Besides some basic skills, you have to improve some strong technical skills:

Camera: The first thing you have to master is camera skills. Seriously, it’s impossible to grow your career without having in-depth knowledge about cameras. From taking the right shots to angling the camera, you have to learn these crucial things. If you have a degree, it’s a plus point. Unless you can pursue a course or get help from pro photographers.

Lighting: Professional photographers handle different equipment for proper lighting. And you already know that lighting is an essential factor in getting excellent photos. To master this technical skill, you have to complete a course or gain practical knowledge.

Editing Software: When you start a freelance photography career, you have to learn some extra technical skills as well. You have to edit photos before delivering them to your clients.

Step 3: Purchase Essential Equipment

It’s one of the most essential steps in this ‘how to become a freelance photographer’ guide. You can’t start a career without essential technical equipment. If you had a job, you might have some camera accessories. Or, you have to purchase some essential equipment, such as:

• Camera
• Lighting tools
• Lens 
• Tripod
• Professional printer
• Laptop
• Premium editing software

Step 4: Design Your Brand

A freelance business depends on the digital world. Even though photography is an offline profession, you have to build a digital audience to get the best clients. In this case, you have to start with your brand.

In fact, creating a brand is also essential if you want to build a complete offline setup. Make sure you create a unique logo, business cards, and other essential things for your brand. Plus, create a social media page to increase your digital presence.

Step 5: Create Your Portfolio Website

Besides designing your brand, you can create a portfolio website. It’s essential when you choose a niche like social media photography or event photography. Digital media is way faster than the traditional format.

When you create a portfolio website, make sure you include some mandatory things such as your best projects, rates of your service, an ‘About Me’ page, and your contact details. If you have a studio setup, you can also add the address to the website.

Step 6: Set Your Rates

There’s a fine line between overcharging and undercharging in freelancing. Well, most newbies can’t decide the rate at the beginning. Plus, when it’s about photography, there are various niches.

Here, you can do some initial research on the internet before setting the rates. On the other hand, make some packages and let your clients choose the right one as per their requirements.

Step 7: Market Your Service

You have set the rate, created your brand, and created a portfolio website. It’s time to market your service, both online and offline. It can be a bit difficult to market your service offline. Here, choosing online platforms is the best solution. Don’t be afraid to call and send emails to potential prospects. 

Step 8: Build a Network

Besides creating your portfolio website and marketing your service, you have to build a network too. Word of mouth is essential for photographers. In that case, you have to connect with other photographers, social media influencers, and business leaders.

Step 9: Reach Out to Potential Clients

In the beginning, you have to find potential clients. There are various ways to find the best clients. The best way to find clients is through various social media accounts. As we noted before, you can create social media pages and a website. Plus, cold emailing is another excellent option to get clients.

Conclusion

Whether it’s a 9-5 job or a freelancing business, the photography domain is quite promising. Still, you can take your career to the next level by choosing to freelance. We have shared the best techniques in this ‘how to become a freelance photographer’ guide. Implement all the above-mentioned steps to land a top-level business.